Cancer JSNA

This section will focus on core epidemiological issues that take account of fixed risk factors (such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history) and modifiable risk factors (such as behaviour). The wider determinants of health (such as housing, transport and environment) are also considered.

Age

Those aged 60 and over are most at risk of developing cancer with the median age at diagnosis of 67 years (November 2024)3. Hartlepool has a relatively older population compared to the UK average.

Highest risk age for the highest cancer prevalence sites in Hartlepool:

• basal cell carcinoma – aged 60 and over.
• prostate cancer – aged 50 years and over.
• breast cancer – aged 50 years and over.
• cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma – aged 70 years and over.
• colorectal cancer – aged 50 years and over.

Gender

Men have higher overall cancer incidence rates than women4 with exceptions in gender-specific cancers. Factors contributing include higher smoking and alcohol-consumption rates, lower participation in screening programs and occupational exposures.

Highest risk gender for the highest cancer prevalence sites in Hartlepool:

• basal cell carcinoma – men.
• prostate cancer – men.
• breast cancer – women.
• cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma – men.
• colorectal cancer – both.

Socioeconomic status

Those in the most deprived areas are at greatest risk of developing cancer with 10% of all cancer diagnoses in the UK directly linked to deprivation5. Hartlepool is one of the most deprived local authorities therefore the population is statistically more vulnerable to late-stage diagnosis, limited access to effective treatment and higher exposure to risk factors.

Qualifications

People with no formal qualifications or lower educational attainment are more likely to develop and die from cancer6 largely due to modifiable risk factors.

Mental health

Those with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) are at significantly higher risk of developing and dying from cancer6,7. Poor mental health is strongly linked to deprivation which in turn is linked to higher cancer risk6.

Ethnicity

White ethnic groups have the highest overall cancer incidence6 particularly due to the population of Hartlepool.

Highest risk ethnic group for the highest cancer prevalence sites in Hartlepool:

• Basal cell carcinoma – White ethnic group.
• Prostate cancer – Black ethnic group
• Breast cancer – White women have higher incidence, Black women are more likely to develop aggressive, later-stage breast cancer with higher mortality.
• Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma – White ethnic group.
• Colorectal cancer – Black and Asian ethnic groups.

Prisoners

Prisoners are at elevated risk of developing cancer due to engaging in high-risk behaviours6, mental health issues and lower socioeconomic status and low screening uptake & delayed diagnosis8.

Sexual Orientation

LGBTQ+ individuals face higher cancer risks and worse outcomes due to behavioural factors, stigma and discrimination and mental health5.

Vulnerable Children

Childhood cancer is serious but rare, however, vulnerable children may face increased indirect risks related to cancer9.